Loss of control in Robin DR400-140B during local flight near Millau

Casualties unknown • Conséquences, FR

A highly inexperienced pilot lost control of a Robin DR400-140B after entering cloud cover during a local flight, resulting in a stall and aircraft destruction.

What happened

On January 22, 2012, a pilot operating a Robin DR400-140B, registration F-GJQV, departed Millau aerodrome for a local flight near the Millau Viaduct. The pilot was accompanied by three passengers. During the flight, the aircraft entered a layer of clouds while the pilot was attempting to return to the aerodrome.

While flying in the clouds, the pilot attempted a left-hand turn to maintain altitude but lost all visual references to the ground. In an attempt to exit the cloud layer, the pilot initiated a climb. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a left-hand stall. The pilot managed to reduce power and apply right rudder, recovering from the stall at an estimated altitude of 300 ft and a speed of approximately 80 kt. However, the aircraft struck the ground with high vertical velocity and a nose-up attitude, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and one passenger seriously injured.

The investigation

Investigators examined the pilot's pre-flight preparations and meteorological data. Although the pilot had consulted weather services (OLIVIA) prior to departure, he did not review the METAR or TAF reports from the nearby Rodez aerodrome, which indicated low ceilings and reduced visibility due to drizzle. Radar data revealed that the aircraft had been descending progressively before entering the clouds.

The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience level and the club's oversight. The pilot had accumulated 79 total flight hours, with only approximately 3 hours acting as pilot-in-command. Furthermore, the investigation noted a lack of supervision for recently licensed pilots by the flying club's management.

Findings

  • The primary cause was the pilot's decision to fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in weather conditions that were incompatible with such operations.
  • The pilot failed to recognize the risk posed by the stratus clouds located to the west of the aerodrome, leading to a lack of an alternative flight strategy or diversion plan.
  • The pilot's loss of visual references during the flight exceeded the capabilities of a relatively inexperienced VFR pilot.
  • A contributing factor was the lack of supervision for newly licensed pilots by the club's instructors or management.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to fly in weather conditions unsuitable for VFR flight, combined with a lack of an alternative flight plan, which led to entering cloud cover and subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-01-22 Robin DR400-140B accident near Conséquences, FR?

A highly inexperienced pilot lost control of a Robin DR400-140B after entering cloud cover during a local flight, resulting in a stall and aircraft destruction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-01-22 involved a Robin DR400-140B, at Conséquences, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to fly in weather conditions unsuitable for VFR flight, combined with a lack of an alternative flight plan, which led to entering cloud cover and subsequent loss of control due to spatial disorientation.

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